Offer to move to Singapore from UK. Advice Sought

[stuckmojo]

Now I am already worrying that my full UK bike licence won't get me into the Moto Guzzi I want due to some strict licence swap regulations (I have the international licence too)...

You should get it no problem. I had a full license from California. At the time I converted, the lady just asked me what I'm qualified for and took my word for it. I doubt she had all of the california license codes memorized to know.

Thanks zzm, this is somewhat comforting.

It seems the move might actually happen, I will decide in the next 2 weeks. Financially it seems a no-brainer now, and I am micro-budgeting over-estimating all the Singapore costs by 20%. The numbers still stack up.

The bike think is quite crucial for me, since I love cars/bikes and wouldn't want to ride around in a Vespa (which are nice but hey). I posted in the bike forums, hopefully some insight will come from there too.

Thanks all for the very valuable advice so far.

[bgd]

Same for me.

I took along previous insurance documents for proof. Didn't ask to see them just gave me the full licence based on my UK endorsements.

[stuckmojo]

Now then, further update.

It looks like I have accepted the offer, and I will likely relocate by year-end.

My brain is in overload due to thinking of so many variables, but I am excited at the thought.

The next biggie is relocation costs+housing moving-in costs:

So, to test your patience once again, here's a question:

On top of the first month rent, what are the moving in costs? (deposit et cetera).

I am already baulking at the thought of having to fork out some 15,000S$ just to step through the door.

[JR8]

It's mostly incidentals IME. Things like:

Deposits on condo access cards, maybe $25 each (* say max 3)?

I think you have to put a deposit on the mobile phone contract. I forget how much now. Maybe $100 or something.

On moving day into the condo, you sometimes are made to put down a depo of maybe $250 or so, so they hang padded coverings on the lift walls, and tape down cardboard over the polished common-parts floors etc.

All being well, all the above get returned. I can't think of anything else. There is nothing like Japanese 'Key-Money' (non-returnable rental golden-hello's to the landlord).

p.s. Oh but hang on, another thing...
re: using property agents. If you respond directly to adverts, and do not use an agent, you pay no fees. If you engage your own agent, to find flats for you then you have to pay them a fee. I forget if it is a months rent, or if they share the commission of the sellers agent (like in the US?). Perhaps someone else can clarify this, or it might be in SundayMorningStaple's weblinks/FAQ.

[Hannieroo]

Below 2.5k you pay two weeks rent for a year's lease and and 4 weeks for a 2 years lease. Over 2.5k you pay nothing, the LL pays his agent and yours. Pick your agent carefully, you are stuck with them for the contract.

[JR8]

^ +1, sounds right, and good advice.

[x9200]

Unless the agent follows the new regulations (A.D. 2011), then you pay regardless and what you agreed with the agent.

[Hannieroo]

Like a flat fee? Interesting. It would give you a bit more control.

[offshoreoildude]

Below 2.5k you pay two weeks rent for a year's lease and and 4 weeks for a 2 years lease. Over 2.5k you pay nothing, the LL pays his agent and yours. Pick your agent carefully, you are stuck with them for the contract.

+1,000,000

[x9200]

Like a flat fee? Interesting. It would give you a bit more control.

Yes. And in principle it is a more healthy approach. if the agent's fee is so directly linked to the rental (s)he may not be interested in negotiating the rental down. Also this 2.5k is more like 3k at this moment.
All in all, if the expected rental falls under 3k (so the tenant is expected to pay something anyway), it is IMO better to have a written contract with the agent with a flat fee or flat + a bonus dependent on how much he mange to get the price down. If above 3k, let the LL pay.

[Hannieroo]

Yes, the lack of incentive to make offers is off putting.

[zzm9980]

Below 2.5k you pay two weeks rent for a year's lease and and 4 weeks for a 2 years lease. Over 2.5k you pay nothing, the LL pays his agent and yours. Pick your agent carefully, you are stuck with them for the contract.

It's a guideline, not a rule or regulation, and like x92 said, 3k now.

[stuckmojo]

Thanks all for the info.

the rent will be more likely up to 4.5/5k, so will not need to pay the agent.

We have an agent who has housed all the colleagues relocating from HK and the UK.

I met her, she's as mad as a box of frogs, but very sharp and has a good reputation.

Great advice from all, again.

[JR8]

She's probably just trying to schmooze you with a bit of affected character.

Good luck with the hunt!

(Please don't take this as harsh, rather, it's just my cynical observation)

[Hannieroo]

Our company appointed agent is not great but at least if they prove to be less than proactive or communicative you can set HR on them. They are the actual tenant.